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How to Say "you drink" in Spanish

English → Spanish

bebes

BEH-bes'be.βes

verbA1informal singular
Use 'bebes' when referring to the act of consuming a beverage in the present, typically in an informal, singular context.
A simple storybook illustration of a young person holding a clear glass of water to their lips, actively drinking.

Examples

¿Qué bebes en el desayuno?

What do you drink for breakfast?

Si bebes mucha agua, te sentirás mejor.

If you drink a lot of water, you will feel better.

The Informal 'You'

'Bebes' is always used when talking directly to one person you know well, like a friend or child (the 'tú' form). For formal situations, you would use 'bebe' (usted).

Regular -ER Verb

This verb follows the most common pattern for verbs ending in -ER. Once you learn 'beber,' you can conjugate hundreds of others like 'comer' (to eat) and 'leer' (to read).

Mixing up 'tú' and 'yo'

Mistake: “Using 'yo bebes' instead of 'yo bebo'.”

Correction: Remember the 'yo' form usually ends in -o ('bebo'), and the 'tú' form usually ends in -es ('bebes').

tomas

TOH-mahsˈto.mas

verbA1informal singular
Use 'tomas' (the tú form of 'tomar') for 'you drink' when referring to consuming liquids or even taking medication, often interchangeably with 'bebes' in informal contexts.
A storybook illustration showing a child's hand reaching out and grasping a bright red apple from a simple wooden table.

Examples

¿Qué tomas para el resfriado?

What are you taking for your cold?

Si tienes sed, ¿qué tomas?

If you are thirsty, what do you drink?

Tú siempre tomas el autobús de las ocho.

You always catch the eight o'clock bus.

The 'Tú' Form

This form is used when talking directly to a single person you know well or are informally addressing. It ends in '-as' for regular -AR verbs.

Taking vs. Drinking

'Tomar' covers both 'to take' (an object, a bus, a picture, a decision) and 'to drink' (coffee, water, alcohol). Context is key!

Confusing 'Tú' and 'Usted'

Mistake: “Using 'tomas' when addressing an elder or boss (instead of 'toma' for Usted).”

Correction: Remember 'tomas' is informal. Use 'toma' (the 'él/ella/usted' form) for formal situations.

tomes

TOH-messˈtomes

verbA1informal singular (subjunctive)
Use 'tomes' when you are suggesting, recommending, or commanding someone (informally) to drink something, as it's in the present subjunctive mood.
A simple storybook illustration of a cheerful person drinking from a clear glass filled with orange juice.

Examples

Te sugiero que tomes agua antes de ir al gimnasio.

I suggest that you drink water before going to the gym.

¡No tomes tanto café! Te va a dar dolor de cabeza.

Don't drink so much coffee! It's going to give you a headache.

Drinking vs. Eating

In many regions, 'tomar' is preferred over 'beber' when talking about having a casual drink, like coffee or a beer, similar to saying 'to have' in English.

Bebes vs. Tomes

Learners often confuse 'bebes' and 'tomes' because both relate to drinking. Remember that 'bebes' is a direct statement about current drinking, while 'tomes' is used for suggestions or commands in the subjunctive mood, indicating a desired action rather than a current one.

Related Translations

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